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Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok inspires MERITUS-GP's Formula BMW Pacific drivers to aim high

PETALING JAYA (MARCH 31, 2010): Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok of HRT F1 Team, Hispania Racing, who have begun to make an impression in this season's Formula 1, took time out from their hectic schedule to meet their fans at AmCorp Mall this evening.

The Brazilian and Indian drivers also took the opportunity to speak to MERITUS-GP's 2010 Formula BMW Pacific drivers Mohd Afiq Ikhwan and Oscar Tunjo, both of whom will make their single-seater debut at the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend.

The event was sponsored by MERITUS-GP'S GP2 Asia team sponsor QuestNet, who also arranged for Luca Filippi's GP2 Asia winning car to be displayed at the mall.

The meeting between the two young MERITUS-GP drivers and Hispania's F1 pilots served to inspire the Malaysian team's young guns to aim high as Senna and Chandhok first cut their teeth driving in the Formula BMW series.

"I have always been a great admirer of the late Ayrton Senna, who was Formula 1 world champion on three occasions. To have met his nephew today is indeed a great inspiration for me," said Afiq, the recipient of a MERITUS-GP 'Single-seater racing Scholarship'.

"To think that Senna and Chandhok started out racing in Formula BMW makes me realise that nothing is impossible. They have gone on to race in Formula 1 and maybe one day, I too can be in F1.

"Of course, I'm not going to get carried away as I have not won anything yet. But meeting them has given my confidence a big boost."

Tunjo, who hails from Colombia, said: "It was a big thrill to meet the two Formula 1 drivers and like Afiq said, it serves as an inspiration for us to know that two graduates from Formula BMW have reached the top of the motorsports game. I'm excited and can't wait for our first race on Saturday."

Senna was taken aback by the response at AmCorp Mall as hundreds of fans turned up to meet their favourite drivers.

"We are extremely pleased to be here in Malaysia. This is my second time in the country and I'm surprised, but also very pleased, to see that we have many fans here," said Senna.

"It was good meeting up with MERITUS-GP's Formula BMW Pacific drivers Afiq and Oscar as it reminds us of when we were first starting out."

Chandhok added: "I believe Afiq and Oscar are receiving the best care from MERITUS-GP and they can be sure both Bruno and I will be cheering them on when they make their Formula BMW Pacific debut this Saturday."

Meanwhile, QuestNet Malaysia Marketing Director, Kuna Senathirajah said: "We are privileged to have Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok at AmCorp Mall today. In fact, our affiliation with Senna started since 2005 when we launched the limited edition of Ayrton Senna da Silva coin set, which was licensed to us by the Ayrton Senna Foundation Limited, in commemoration of the legendary F1 World Champion.

"We hope Bruno's motor racing career will shine as bright as his late uncle's. Our best wishes also go to Karun and Afiq, who has the right credentials to be the next Malaysian FBMW Pacific winner".

Also present at the event were Joachim Steffen, QuestNet Sponsorship Director and Pathman Senathirajah, Managing Director of The V, the marketing and training arm of QI Group of Companies.

-source: meritus